Young Famers International Exchange Report – Canada 2007
In May of 2007, I headed off on my travels to tour Canada through the Scottish
Association of Young Farmers Clubs International Exchange Programme.
Canada is made up of 13 provinces namely Quebec, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland,
Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Nunavut, Alberta, Seskatechewan, Ontario,
Manitoba & New Brunswick.; on the other side of the ‘little pond’ known as the Atlantic
Ocean, the exchange is organised by JFAO ( Junior Farmers Association of Ontario).
Therefore, the exchange was concentrated in the one province mainly – but a large one at
that and there was plenty to see and experience. The Country of Canada is so vast that
Junior Farmers can only survive in Ontario and mainly in the south of the province due to
the declining membership in recent years. There are currently 500 members in JFAO,
although the 4H organisation, which we also got to know, seems to be going from
strength to strength.
In Canada, the main language is English however the province of Quebec choose to
speak French as their first language. During the trip I was lucky enough to experience a
little bit of the French culture on a day trip to Montreal. With this exchange, it is carried
out over the whole summer from May to the end of August and over these 3 months a
close group of delegates from all over is formed. This year we had 2 Scots, 2 English, 2
Northern Irish, a German, a Swiss and an Austrian, in total 7 girls and 2 boys.
Unfortunately, we had no Welsh, Australian or New Zealanders, however I hope I will be
able to meet representatives from these countries at up and coming Young Farmer
Ambassador re-unions. Prior to leaving I had arranged to fly with my fellow Scottish
delegate and immediately the first friendship of my trip was formed.
So on with the trip:On arrival in Toronto, the first point to note was the change in temperature. It was so
humid and hot. We were concerned to be told that this was mild, and the worst had yet to
come. We were met by the JFAO’s international organiser and at this stage I must
mention that JFAO is a voluntary association and those who take on extra roles within the
group also have full time jobs to do and receive no payment for their work in the
organisation. Therefore we were more than grateful for the time taken to organise our
stay for 3 months. We were collected and taken to a junior farmer’s house where we met
most of the other delegates (3 hadn’t arrived yet). From here they kicked things off as
they meant to go on – we never stopped! Straight away we were taken to our first club
meeting and barbeque. Everyone seemed very excited about the new arrivals and made
every effort to chat, I could soon tell by the end of the trip I would be well rehearsed at
talking about me, they were all so keen and interested to get to know us and about our
home countries. We lasted until 11pm and then the 5 hour time difference took effect
and we had to get some sleep.
Our first day of exchange officially began when we were taken to the Junior Farmers
headquarters in the city of Guelph (the province’s agricultural centre). En route we
stopped for our very first Tim Hortons coffee and donut, this was a trend to be continued
as is a stop on every Canadian drivers journey. On arrival in Guelph we met the JFAO
executive board who all have their position on the board whether it is membership,
money or promotion everyone has their role to play. It seemed very organised from the
start and from day one we knew which counties would be hosting us on which weeks.
JFAO is split into zones and we had our rotation mapped out for us in our orientation
meeting. (copy enclosed). We seemed to have an exciting 3 months ahead of us,
including provincial activities too, where the entire JFAO organisation could attend. The
main ones being Leadership Camp and Provincial Directors weekend all involving
camping over night – something new for me.
So let’s meet our first hosts. That night we met our first host county, Oxford from zone
4. I was lucky enough to be placed with a girl who I had met previously on her exchange
to the UK the year before so it was nice to see a friendly face in this huge and strange
environment. This helped me settle in just that little bit quicker.
Over the first week we had the most exposure to the typical agriculture in Ontario. I soon
discovered that the majority of southern Ontario farms were dairy farms – this was again
new to me coming from a beef/sheep and arable farm. They all grew corn for feed which
was only in the early stages when we arrived; we were able to monitor this as we
continued on our journey. Another thing which instantly struck me as odd, where were
the rolling hills of home? Everything was so flat and the further south we ventured the
flatter it became. Also, as we travelled south the farming trends changed, not so many
dairies, more fruit and vegetable farms, even ginseng and peanuts.
While in the southern areas we were taken to see Niagara Falls which spans the 800metre
width of the Niagara River between Ontario and the upper New York State. It was
amazing and definitely worth the early morning to get there. You could watch it all day
and we almost did and from every angle, from further down stream, from behind the falls
and also on board the Maid of the Mist which takes you right into the foot of the falls.
We even stayed to see the evening light show at 9pm. It was definitely a highlight of the
trip and I can see exactly why it is one of the 7 wonders of the world.
The Canadians were quick to show off one of their best exports, Canadian Club rye
whisky which is distilled in Windsor just on the Canada and US border. The distillery
has been running since 1858 and even hosted Al Capone while he was planning the great
liquor smuggling of the 1930’s in the USA. Whilst on the border, we decided to take a
day to cross over into Detroit to see a baseball game, not the national sport but high up on
any Canadians list of priorities. All junior farmers play baseball and arrange
tournaments as we do with football and hockey at home – another game for me to learn.
Over our time, we also got the chance to see the national sport of Lacrosse and I was
surprised how violent it became and even with the younger team, we witnessed a
punching match which was only monitored and not stopped by the referees. Seemingly a
common occurrence, and it is meant to be safer for the players to get rid of their pent up
anger on each other before continuing the game.
As most will know the Canadian emblem featured on their flag is the maple leaf and once
you have visited the country you will realise why. Almost, all the trees we seen were
maple. And, they certainly know how to use them to their advantage by tapping for the
maple sap. This is then evaporated and converts to maple syrup which is used in all sorts
of Canadian cooking, even the savoury dishes such as sausages and almost always
drizzled on bacon for breakfast. Unfortunately, for the farmers who produce this
commonly used product they have a lengthy process to produce high quality syrup and
often work into the ‘wee’ hours of the morning to ensure it is refrigerated at the optimum
time. As well as being proud of their syrup, the nation feel strongly about their beer
brewing industry, to the point that some will refuse to drink US varieties. We were given
two brewery tours of Labatt and Sleemans, both very popular brands in Ontario. And
where would a beer be without a barbeque, a common occurrence in a Canadian summer
and also emphasises the nations confidence and recognition of their beef industry.
Although we only visited the one beef farm, I can certainly comment that their quality of
meat is as good as the UK and very tasty.
Whilst missing the Edinburgh festival at home, I was pleased to hear that the well known
Stratford arts festival was on when we arrived in Perth county. We seen a great
performance of Oklahoma and soaked up the atmosphere in the town.
Half way through the exchange JFAO allows a break week in mid July where the
delegates can do as they please but arrange it all themselves. We had a split group, 2
were heading to Montreal, 2 went to the Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia and the
rest of us fancied sampling more agriculture and the cowboy traditions of Calgary
Stampede. Although excited about our week away, our host county prior to break week
certainly sent us off in style. Firstly, we had a leaving party for our Austrian friend
who’s 6 week trip had come to an end, we took a flight over Lake Huron and the Bruce
power station (which I’m proud to say is run by a Scot). We got to enjoy the opening
night of the local towns Scottish festival where we could get a little taste of home. Irn
Bru and Tunnocks Tea Cakes (I’m sure we had all the group converted to become Irn Bru
drinkers) and not to mention the surprise limo which had been arranged for us to get to
Toronto airport a long 3 hour drive away. I’m sure the airport staff were disappointed
when 5 UK young farmers piled out at the departure terminal and not celebrities.
So across another time zone into Alberta and Calgary mayhem was obvious. The city
goes stampede crazy and even the hotels and banks were decorated appropriately. Even
the staff dress accordingly in jeans, boots and Stetson hats. I knew Ontario were John
Deere mad but this was more obvious than ever – they were proud cowboys and girls. A
fun filled week was had, enjoying the rodeo, chuck wagon racing and a tremendous show
put on by Canadian youngsters on the worlds largest portable stage. It was certainly
worth seeing, with motor cyclists, trapeze artists and some of the best fireworks I have
ever witnessed. So good in fact, we went to see it twice. That surely says enough in
itself. The rest of the time was spent looking at the native Indian reserves, the heavy
horse pulling competition and generally soaking up the stampede atmosphere. They
certainly know how to have a good time with their country music and 2 stepping, and my
my, Canadian men can dance and I’m so glad the junior farmers taught us before we set
off on our own. We loved the country music so much we even took up the opportunity to
see some of the big country names perform in Calgary’s Saddledome. Big and Rich
certainly knew how to please their audience and even us, out of townies.
Although we had a great week it was nice to fly back to Ontario and Ottawa this time to
continue our exchange and get back into a routine. This time my host family were in
Lanark County zone 1 and I had a great time with them. They had hosted last years
Scottish delegate as well so it was good to be able to back up the Scottish ways and
sayings Duncan had left behind him.
After the first 6 weeks were spent visiting, touring and taking in the sights – the second
half was very much focused on the activities Canada’s terrain can offer. Firstly, the lakes
were the main point, and we were allowed to accompany my host’s father in a sailing
race on Lake Huron on Canada day, a thrilling experience and to top it off – we won! I
am not sure it was down to the skills of the delegates but we can always hope! In the
cottage country further north, everyone seemed to own a lakeside cottage and we had fun
filled days of water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. We found out
soon after there had been snakes in one lake, we were not so keen to return to that one.
Alongside the snakes, the nature is varied with wild deer, racoons, skunks, chipmunks,
wolves and coyotes, all in Ontario. The best way to see some of the nature was while
white water rafting down the Ottawa river. An entire day of paddling down some of the
fastest rapids, one of the called the devils tongue, which was classed as a waterfall – a
grade 5 rapid which is used to train raft guides worldwide because this is the highest
grade of rapid which can be commercially run and has a black hole at the bottom that if
you get stuck in you will be unlikely to get back out without assistance. I am pleased to
say my raft crew of all women paddled successfully through. Of course there were parts
of the river which were calmer and peaceful for us to take in the sights – that was until all
us girls started singing.
On a more serious note, while in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, we visited the parliament
buildings. More security checks for us but after all the flights we have been on we seem
to be getting good at these. The city was lovely with the river running through it and the
parliament sitting on the banks of the river. Another of the major tourist attractions was
in Ontario’s capital, Toronto. The CN tower is the tallest free standing building in the
world at the moment. Although, two asian countries are apparently competing to break
the record of 553 metres. Unfortunately, I have encountered an unknown fear of heights
I seem to have and was unable to stand on the famous glass floor 342 metres above the
streets below. But I did make it to the next level, the skypod a further 117 metres up.
The CN tower was struck by lightning in years gone by and I can see exactly why, I have
never experienced a thunderstorm like I did in Ontario – they just don’t seem to give up,
constantly flashing. It was very unsettling, when you are trying to sleep through it.
Well our exchange came to an end on Sunday August 26th and the corn had stretched way
over 7 foot since our arrival. It was a very sad and tearful day for our family of new
found friends. I will be sure to keep in contact with them all and have already arranged
trips to visit them across the UK and Europe. But instead of flying home, three of us
decided to extend our trip that little bit further and headed back out west for a final two
week road trip of the Rockies and British Columbia. You are only on this kind of trip
once after all.
So after flying for 4 hours through thunder and lightning we arrived in Edmonton,
Alberta. Here we stayed with one of my past hosts elder siblings, another exchangee who
had come to the UK 4 years ago. It was exciting to see her photos of home and all the
people we knew. Really shows how small the world really is. We hired a car and drove
through the national park to Jasper where we were shocked to see a bear cub crossing the
road, our fear was more that mother bear was close behind. On the same day we also
seen mountain sheep, elk and deer but unfortunately none were ever to be seen again.
Onwards we went to Columbia Ice fields and Lake Louise, unfortunately even our
photographs do not do it the justice it deserves. It really is the gem in the Rockies crown.
Further down the park we enjoyed a couple of days in Banff and took in the views of the
famous blue waters of Banff, the natural hot springs and the views from the top of
Sulphur mountain. We then drove to Cochrane to stay with family friends and managed
to squeeze in a day of pony trails, the western way of course and a trip to Calgary
Olympic park where Eddie the Eagle claimed his fame. Back on the road again and off to
British Columbia taking in Kamloops and Whistler on the way. Whistler was gorgeous
and I would love to get back to see it at very best in the winter. Onwards again to
Vancouver Island to visit my family, it’s a lovely island and the capital Victoria showed
us the best street performers I have ever seen – how we laughed. The city was buzzing
on a Saturday afternoon and had a lovely setting by the harbour. Off again on the ferry a
day later and over to North Vancouver this time, to stay with more family. Vancouver is
the busy big city I thought it would be, but had its nice parts too such as Stanley Park and
Gastown where the street clock is powered by steam. Our very last day in Canada took
us to the Capilano suspension bridge which crossed a deep canyon. I managed to
conquer my fear of heights for the length of the walk across and back – although
completely terrified, I knew I had to do it or would have my regrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed my exchange experience and have made friendships from both
Europe and Canada that I am sure will last forever with the technology available to us all
so readily. For this opportunity, and the great memories I cannot thank the Scottish
Association of Young Farmers Clubs, the Young Farmers Ambassadors and the
International trust enough for their help and support. It really has been an experience
never to be forgotten and for that I will always be grateful. I would recommend the
International Exchange Programme to anyone in young farmers and if I could do it all
over again I most definitely would.
Many thanks again.
Alison Taylor
Bathgate and District Junior Agricultural Club
Scottish International Exchange Delegate – Canada 2007